Common Clothing Stains You Can Clean With Hydrogen Peroxide
Stains happen. Whether it’s from cooking, working in the yard, or just a simple spill, most clothes go through their share of wear. But before tossing them into the wash or worse, into the trash, there’s a simple solution that’s already sitting in many bathroom cabinets. Hydrogen peroxide can lift a surprising number of stains with little effort, so here are seven common stains it can handle and how to use it safely.
Sweat and Underarm Stains
Those yellowish marks under the arms of white shirts can feel impossible to wash out, but there is a way. Mix hydrogen peroxide with a bit of baking soda and dish soap, then rub it into the stain. Let it sit for about 30 minutes before washing. This blend breaks down the build-up from sweat and deodorant that can make white clothes look dingy over time.
Red Wine Stains
A red wine spill can feel like a disaster, especially on light fabrics. Apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain and follow it with a splash of dish soap. The two work together to lift the pigment from the fabric. Let it soak in briefly before gently blotting and rinsing. This works best while the stain is still wet and hasn’t set.
Grass Stains
Grass stains are common, especially on kids’ clothes or during warmer months. Hydrogen peroxide helps break down the green pigment from chlorophyll. Mix it with a little baking soda to form a gentle paste and scrub it in with a soft brush or cloth. After a few minutes, rinse and check the stain before tossing it in the washer.
Tomato-Based Sauces
Tomato sauce stains are tough because of their oil content and strong color. Dabbing the area with hydrogen peroxide loosens the pigment, especially when combined with a drop of dish soap. Let it sit for about ten minutes, then rinse thoroughly. You may need to repeat this process before washing, especially if the stain has dried in.
Makeup Stains
Foundation, lipstick, and mascara can all cling to fabric. Hydrogen peroxide is gentle enough for most materials but tough on makeup residue. Soak a cotton ball with peroxide and dab at the stain. Let it rest for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water. Blotting works better than rubbing here, to avoid spreading the product deeper into the fabric.
Blood Stains
Hydrogen peroxide reacts instantly with the proteins in blood, making it one of the easiest stains to treat. Dab the stain with a small amount and let it fizz for a minute or two. Gently blot with a clean cloth, then rinse with cold water. Repeat if needed before laundering. This works best on fresh stains but can sometimes help lighten older ones too if you’re patient and persistent.
Mildew Smells and Spots
Clothes left damp too long can develop mildew spots and smells, but hydrogen peroxide kills the bacteria causing both. Mix it with water in a 1:1 ratio and soak the item for about 30 minutes. After that, wash as usual with a bit of baking soda to neutralize the odor. This also works well for forgotten gym clothes or towels left in hampers.
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Hydrogen peroxide is a simple and budget-friendly way to treat a lot of tough stains without reaching for harsh chemicals. While it’s always smart to test it on a small hidden area first, it’s generally safe for most colorfast fabrics. Keep a small bottle handy in the laundry area, and you might save more clothes than you thought possible. A little effort can go a long way toward keeping clothes fresh and looking new.
Daniel Mitchell
